Narrative technique · used in 3 films
Forcing a creator to choose between the integrity of their work and the human cost of making it. The film asks what a good piece of art is worth.
Examples
Woody Allen · 1994
David wants the play to be good. The only way is to let a murderer improve it. The film asks what a great play is worth and who pays for it. David ends up admitting he lacks talent.
Where to see it: Opening night. Cheech is shot backstage and, as he dies, gives David a new final line for the play.
Justine Triet · 2019
Sibyl's novel draws on Margot's story, and the film asks what she owes the woman who trusted her. She is both a therapist and a writer, and the two jobs pull against each other.
Where to see it: The novel: Sibyl begins writing a novel based on Margot's story while she is still her therapist.
Dan Gilroy · 2019
Josephina takes Dease's paintings when he wanted them destroyed, and the others start selling them. The film asks what a work of art is worth when making or selling it hurts someone. The art answers back by killing the people who profit.
Where to see it: The decision to sell. The group chooses to market Dease's work even though it was meant to be burned.
Questions